The Threat of Soil Pollution by Heavy Metals from Mechanic Workshops on the Ecosystem in Ibadan North Local Government, Oyo State, Nigeria

Pollution of soils by heavy metals from mechanic workshops, beyond acceptable standards, is creating serious environmental and health concerns. This study assessed the degrees of soil contamination of heavy metals from four automobile stations. Twelve (12) composite soil samples were collected within and around the workshops in Ibadan North Local Government of Oyo State at depths above 10cm. The soil samples were digested and analysed to uncover the concentrations of Pb, Ni, Cr, Cd and Zn in the samples and other parameters such as pH and organic carbon. The concentrations of the heavy metals were compared with standards and the pollution/contamination factors were also analysed. The concentrations of Pb, Ni, Cr, Zn and Cd in the soil samples range from 2.0-58100mg/kg, 0.0-33.0mg/kg, 0.0-18.0mg/kg, 0.0 90.0mg/kg and 0.0-0.0mg/kg respectively. Heavy metals contamination/pollution was discovered to depend on size, soil composition, functions and age of automobile stations. The order of heavy metals contamination was Pb>Ni>Zn>Cr>Cd. It is concluded that mechanic workshops constitute health risk to human beings and a threat to sustainable eco system